United StatesUNITED STATES
Securities and Exchange CommissionSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

      QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

OR

     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        ACT OF 1934


          For the transition period from _______________ to _______________.

          Commission File Number 1-7978

Black Hills Power, Inc.
Incorporated in South Dakota       IRS Identification Number 46-0111677

625 Ninth Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701

Registrant’s telephone number (605) 721-1700

Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed since last report

NONE

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

    Yes              No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

    Yes              No   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

    Yes              No   

As of July 29,October 31, 2005, there were issued and outstanding 23,416,396 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $1.00 par value, all of which were held beneficially and of record by Black Hills Corporation.

Reduced Disclosure

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
Item 1.  
Financial Statements
     
   
Condensed Statements of Income -
     
      Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004  3  
   
Condensed Balance Sheets -
     
      JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004  4  
   
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows -
     
      Three and SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004  5  
   
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
  6-96-10  

Item 2.
  Results of Operations  9-1211-14  

Item 4.
  Controls and Procedures  1314  

PART II.
  OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 1.
  Legal Proceedings  1315  

Item 6.
  Exhibits  1315  
   
Signatures
  1416  
   
Exhibit Index
  1517  

2


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited)

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)(in thousands)

Operating revenue
  $42,261 $39,809 $85,408 $81,456   $49,274 $47,921 $134,682 $129,377 








Operating expenses:  
Fuel and purchased power  15,587  14,383  30,794  27,193   24,495  18,506  55,289  45,698 
Operations and maintenance  6,613  7,817  11,970  13,997   5,277  5,993  17,247  19,991 
Administrative and general  5,062  4,110  11,022  8,188   7,026  4,533  18,048  12,721 
Depreciation and amortization  4,759  4,803  9,697  9,746   4,905  4,703  14,602  14,448 
Taxes, other than income taxes  2,120  2,136  4,310  4,364   2,108  1,680  6,417  6,044 








  34,141  33,249  67,793  63,488   43,811  35,415  111,603  98,902 








Operating income  8,120  6,560  17,615  17,968   5,463  12,506  23,079  30,475 








Other income (expense):  
Interest expense  (3,146) (4,218) (6,361) (8,406)  (3,122) (4,138) (9,483) (12,545)
Interest income  9  226  43  438   2  232  45  671 
Other income, net  134  42  275  141   30  42  303  181 








  (3,003) (3,950) (6,043) (7,827)  (3,090) (3,864) (9,135) (11,693)








Income before income taxes  5,117  2,610  11,572  10,141   2,373  8,642  13,944  18,782 
Income taxes  (1,708) (794) (3,840) (3,289)  (485) (2,782) (4,325) (6,070)








Net income $3,409 $1,816 $7,732 $6,852  $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 








        The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

3


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

June 30December 31September 30,December 31,
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)(in thousands)
ASSETS          

Current assets:
  
Cash and cash equivalents $6 $344  $2,895 $344 
Restricted cash  --  3,069   --  3,069 
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $907 and $912,
respectively)
  15,630  18,497 
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $875 and $912, respectively)  18,400  18,497 
Receivables - affiliate  1,173  891   2,006  891 
Materials, supplies and fuel  12,944  11,513   14,518  11,513 
Deferred income taxes  686  --   805  -- 
Derivative assets  --  30 
Other current assets  1,099  2,346   61  2,316 




  31,538  36,660   38,685  36,660 




Investments  3,283  3,275   3,299  3,275 




Property, plant and equipment  645,027  637,630   649,916  637,630 
Less accumulated depreciation  (242,246) (232,401)  (246,279) (232,401)




  402,781  405,229   403,637  405,229 




Other assets:  
Regulatory assets  7,144  7,237   6,987  7,237 
Other  13,002  13,204   11,342  13,204 




  20,146  20,441   18,329  20,441 




 $457,748 $465,605  $463,950 $465,605 




LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY  

Current liabilities:
  
Current maturities of long-term debt $1,993 $1,991  $1,994 $1,991 
Accounts payable  7,080  7,551   6,786  7,551 
Accounts payable - affiliate  485  331   3,477  331 
Note payable - affiliate  10,724  25,074   11,860  25,074 
Derivative liabilities  1,246  -- 
Accrued liabilities  13,534  13,816   13,815  13,816 




  33,816  48,763   39,178  48,763 




Long-term debt, net of current maturities  155,240  157,215   155,230  157,215 




Deferred credits and other liabilities:  
Deferred income taxes  70,149  69,233   68,927  69,233 
Regulatory liabilities  5,888  6,021   5,819  6,021 
Other  14,124  13,537   14,803  13,537 




  90,161  88,791   89,549  88,791 




Stockholder's equity:  
Common stock $1 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 23,416,396
shares issued
  23,416  23,416   23,416  23,416 
Additional paid-in capital  39,549  39,549   39,549  39,549 
Retained earnings  117,039  109,307   118,926  109,307 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (1,473) (1,436)  (1,898) (1,436)




  178,531  170,836   179,993  170,836 




 $457,748 $465,605  $463,950 $465,605 




        The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

4


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

Six Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Operating activities:          
Net income $7,732 $6,852  $9,619 $12,712 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization  9,697  9,746   14,602  14,448 
Deferred income tax  230  897   (1,224) 793 
Net change in derivative assets and liabilities  78  -- 
Change in operating assets and liabilities -  
Accounts receivable and other current assets  2,406  3,296   (1,244) 3,961 
Accounts payable and other current liabilities  (599) (7,149)  2,380  (9,991)
Other operating activities  707  1,672   3,501  1,734 




  20,173  15,314   27,712  23,657 




Investing activities:  
Property, plant and equipment additions  (7,249) (5,903)  (13,010) (10,426)
Change in notes receivable from associated companies, net  --  4,665   --  12,334 
Change in investments and restricted cash  3,061  (264)  3,045  (181)




  (4,188) (1,502)  (9,965) 1,727 




Financing activities:  
Changes in notes payable to associated companies, net  (14,350) --   (13,214) -- 
Dividends paid  --  (12,000)  --  (18,000)
Long-term debt - repayments  (1,973) (1,971)  (1,982) (7,829)




  (16,323) (13,971)  (15,196) (25,829)




Decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (338) (159)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  2,551  (445)

Cash and cash equivalents:
  
Beginning of period  344  1,052   344  1,052 




End of period $6 $893  $2,895 $607 




Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  

Cash paid (received) during the period for:
  
Interest $7,508 $8,349  $9,973 $14,745 
Income taxes paid (refunded) $3,283 $(3,111) $2,122 $(3,111)

        The accompanying notes to condensed financial statements are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

5


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(Reference is made to Notes to Financial Statements
included in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K)

(1) 

   MANAGEMENT’S STATEMENT


 The  financial statements included herein have been prepared by Black Hills Power, Inc. (the Company) without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the footnotes adequately disclose the information presented. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 Accounting methods historically employed require certain estimates as of interim dates. The information furnished in the accompanying financial statements reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the JuneSeptember 30, 2005, December 31, 2004 and JuneSeptember 30, 2004, financial information and are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

(2) 

  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


 The following table presents the components of the Company’s comprehensive income (in thousands):

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004

Net income
  $3,409 $1,816 $7,732 $6,852   $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
Fair value adjustment on derivatives designated  
as cash flow hedges  (59) --  (59) --   (435) --  (494) -- 
Reclassification adjustment on interest rate  
swap included in net income  11  11  22  21   11  10  33  31 








Comprehensive income $3,361 $1,827 $7,695 $6,873  $1,464 $5,870 $9,158 $12,743 








6


(3) 

  RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS


 Accounts Receivables/Accounts Payables

 The Company has accounts receivable and accounts payable balances related to transactions with other Black Hills Corporation subsidiaries. The accounts receivable balances were $1.2$2.0 million and $0.9 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. The accounts payable balances were $3.5 million and $0.3 million as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

 Notes Payable

The Company also has a line of credit withborrowings from its Parent, Black Hills Corporation (the Parent), which isare due on demand. Outstanding advances were $10.7$11.9 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and $25.1 million at December 31, 2004. Interest paid on the note was $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2005. Advances under this note bear interest at 1.250.70 percent above the one-month averagedaily LIBOR rate (4.59(3.86 percent at JuneSeptember 30, 2005). Interest paid was $0.1 million and is payable monthly.$0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively. Interest paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004, was insignificant.

In August 2005, the Company entered into a Utility Money Pool Agreement with the Parent, a registered holding company; and Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power, an electric and gas utility subsidiary of the Parent.

Under the agreement, the Utility may borrow from the Parent. The Agreement restricts the Company from loaning funds to the Parent or to any of the Parent’s non-utility subsidiaries; the Agreement does not restrict the Company from making dividends to the Parent. Borrowings under the Agreement bear interest at the daily cost of external funds as defined under the Agreement, or if there are no external funds outstanding on that date, then the rate will be the daily one-month LIBOR rate plus 100 basis points. Borrowings under the agreement are due upon demand.

 Other Balances and Transactions

 The Company received revenues of approximately $0.4$0.9 million and $0.2 million for each of the three month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, and $0.4$1.4 million and $0.6 million for each of the sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively, from Black Hills Wyoming, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, for the transmission of electricity.

The Company also pays the Parent for allocated corporate support service cost incurred on its behalf. Corporate costs allocated from the Parent were $3.2 million and $2.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively; and $8.0 million and $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

7


(4)

  RISK MANAGEMENT


On September 30, 2005, the Company had the following swaps and related balances (in thousands):

Notional*
Maximum
Terms in
Years

Current
Derivative
Assets

Non-current
Derivative
Assets

Current
Derivative
Liabilities

Non-current
Derivative
Liabilities

Pre-tax
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)

September 30, 2005                      

Natural gas swaps
   425,000 0.50  $ —  $ —  $1,246 $ —  $(759)$(487)
  





_________________

*gas in MMbtu’s

Based on September 30, 2005 market prices, a $0.8 million loss would be realized and reported in pre-tax earnings during the next twelve months related to the cash flow hedge. These estimated realized losses for the next twelve months were calculated using September 30, 2005 market prices. Estimated and actual realized losses will likely change during the next twelve months as market prices change.

In addition, certain volumes of natural gas inventory have been designated as the underlying hedged item in a “fair value” hedge transaction. These volumes are stated at market value using published spot industry quotations. Market adjustments are recorded in inventory on the Balance Sheet and the related unrealized gain/loss on the Statement of Income. As of September 30, 2005, the market adjustments recorded in inventory were $0.5 million.

(5) 

  LONG TERM DEBT


 In May 2005,At December 31, 2004, the Company’s parent, Black Hills Corporation, completed a new five year, $400 million revolving bank facility. As part of the new bank facility, Black Hills Corporation has agreed to reserve an aggregate amount equal toCompany had $3.1 million (the “BHP Reserve”)of cash restricted to fund, directly or indirectly, anymaintain liquidity needs arising under, or in connection with, the loan agreement between the City of Gillette, Campbell County, Wyoming and the Company pursuant to the Company’sfor our $2.9 million Series 94A Floating Rate Environmental Improvement Revenue Bonds.bond issue. During 2005, the Parent agreed to reserve $3.1 million under its revolving credit facility to provide any necessary liquidity. Accordingly, the related restrictions on the Company’s cash have been relieved.

(5)(6) 

  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


 Defined Benefit Pension Plan

 The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (Plan) covering the employees of the Company who meet certain eligibility requirements.

 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Plan are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $248 $240 $496 $480   $248 $240 $744 $720 
Interest cost  675  655  1,350  1,310   675  655  2,025  1,965 
Expected return on plan assets  (870) (855) (1,740) (1,710)  (870) (855) (2,610) (2,565)
Amortization of prior service cost  39  41  78  82   39  41  117  123 
Amortization of net loss  213  270  426  540   213  270  639  810 








Net periodic benefit cost $305 $351 $610 $702  $305 $351 $915 $1,053 








8


 The Company does not anticipate that it will need to make a contribution to the Plan in the 2005 fiscal year.

7


 Supplemental Nonqualified Defined Benefit Plan

 The Company has various supplemental retirement plans for outside directors and key executives of the Company (Supplemental Plans). The Supplemental Plans are nonqualified defined benefit plans.

 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Supplemental Plans are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $-- $-- $-- $--   $-- $-- $-- $-- 
Interest cost  27  27  54  54   27  27  81  81 
Amortization of net loss  12  13  24  26   12  13  36  39 








Net periodic benefit cost $39 $40 $78 $80  $39 $40 $117 $120 









 The Company anticipates that it will need to make contributions to the Supplemental Plans for the 2005 fiscal year of approximately $0.1 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefit payments.

 Non-pension Defined Benefit Postretirement Plan

 Employees who are participant’s in the Company’s Postretirement Healthcare Plan (Healthcare Plan) and who retire from the Company on or after attaining age 55 after completing at least five years of service to the Company are entitled to postretirement healthcare benefits. These financial statements and this Note do not reflect the effects of the 2003 Medicare Act on the Healthcare Plan.

 The components of net periodic benefit cost for the Healthcare Plan are as follows (in thousands):

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004

Service cost
  $73 $75 $146 $150   $73 $75 $219 $225 
Interest cost  116  121  232  242   116  121  348  363 
Amortization of net transition obligation  29  29  58  58   29  29  87  87 
Amortization of prior service cost  (5) (5) (10) (10)  (5) (5) (15) (15)
Amortization of net loss  19  36  38  72   19  36  57  108 








Net periodic benefit cost $232 $256 $464 $512  $232 $256 $696 $768 









 The Company anticipates that it will need to make contributions to the Plan for the 2005 fiscal year of approximately $0.2 million. The contributions are expected to be in the form of benefits paid.

89


(6)(7) 

  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


 The Company is subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation as described in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material developments in these proceedings or any new material proceedings that have developed or material proceedings that have terminated during the first sixnine months of 2005.

10


ITEM 2.         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Retail Services Group

Electric Utility

Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30September 30,
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
2005
2004
(in thousands)(in thousands)

Revenue
  $42,261 $39,809 $85,408 $81,456   $49,274 $47,921 $134,682 $129,377 
Operating expenses  34,141  33,249  67,793  63,488   43,811  35,415  111,603  98,902 








Operating income $8,120 $6,560 $17,615 $17,968  $5,463 $12,506 $23,079 $30,475 








Net income $3,409 $1,816 $7,732 $6,852  $1,888 $5,860 $9,619 $12,712 








The following tables provide certain operating statistics:

Electric Revenue
(in thousands)

Three Months Ended June 30
Six Months Ended June 30
PercentagePercentage
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004

Commercial
  $11,634  6%$10,987 $23,065  4%$22,162 
Residential   8,649  9  7,936  19,207  5  18,356 
Industrial   4,910  1  4,870  9,764  --  9,788 
Municipal sales   555  1  549  1,048  2  1,025 
Contract wholesale   5,672  12  5,049  11,657  6  10,977 
Wholesale off-system   9,171  5  8,697  17,284  15  15,002 






   Total electric sales  $40,591  7%$38,088 $82,025  6%$77,310 






Other revenue   1,670  (3) 1,721  3,383  (18) 4,146 






   Total revenue  $42,261  6%$39,809 $85,408  5%$81,456 






9


Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
PercentagePercentage
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004
Commercial  $14,127  8%$13,117 $37,179  5%$35,258 
Residential   10,441  16  9,019  29,662  8  27,396 
Industrial   5,111  (1) 5,175  14,874  (1) 14,963 
Municipal sales   693  7  650  1,740  4  1,675 
Contract wholesale   5,719  (4) 5,932  17,377  3  16,909 
Wholesale off-system   11,766  (7) 12,590  29,050  5  27,592 






   Total electric sales   47,857  3  46,483  129,882  5  123,793 
Other revenue   1,417  (1) 1,438  4,800  (14) 5,584 






   Total revenue  $49,274  3%$47,921 $134,682  4%$129,377 








Megawatt Hours

Three Months Ended June 30
Six Months Ended June 30
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
PercentagePercentagePercentagePercentage
Customer Base
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004
Customer Base
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004

Commercial
   152,644  5% 145,802  310,162  4% 298,407    188,481  7% 175,935  498,643  5% 474,342 
Residential  102,692  9  94,311  240,639  4  232,056   122,400  17  104,468  363,039  8  336,524 
Industrial  103,695  5  98,745  202,093  2  197,266   108,445  (2) 110,611  310,538  1  307,877 
Municipal sales  6,827  1  6,756  13,290  2  13,027   9,622  9  8,799  22,912  5  21,826 
Contract wholesale  150,659  9  138,106  311,997  4  299,695   145,993  (6) 155,991  457,990  1  455,686 
Wholesale off-system  212,460  (6) 226,099  400,074  4  384,887   198,031  (32) 291,551  598,105  (12) 677,237 












Total electric sales  728,977  3% 709,819  1,478,255  4% 1,425,338   772,972  (9)% 847,355  2,251,227  (1)% 2,273,492 












We established a new summer peak load of 401 megawatts in July 2005. We established our winter peak load of 344 megawatts in December 1998.

11


Three Months EndedNine Months Ended
September 30,
September 30,
PercentagePercentage
Resources
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004
Megawatt-hours generated:              
   Coal   397,513  (12)% 452,720  1,259,822  (1)% 1,275,780 
   Gas   22,065  29  17,121  27,545  8  25,551 






    419,578  (11) 469,841  1,287,367  (1) 1,301,331 
Megawatt-hours purchased   378,986  (5) 400,123  1,032,091  (1) 1,038,821 






Total resources   798,564  (8)% 869,964  2,319,458  (1)% 2,340,152 








Three Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30
June 30
PercentagePercentage
Resources
2005
Change
2004
2005
Change
2004

Megawatt-hours generated:
              
   Coal   426,400  15% 371,500  862,300  5% 823,100 
   Gas   3,830  (26) 5,200  5,500  (35) 8,400 






    430,230  14  376,700  867,800  4  831,500 
Megawatt-hours purchased   331,434  (8) 358,592  653,105  2  639,531 






Total resources   761,664  4% 735,292  1,520,905  3% 1,471,031 








Three Months EndedSix Months EndedThree Months EndedNine Months Ended
June 30PercentageJune 30PercentageSeptember 30,PercentageSeptember 30,Percentage
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
2005
2004
Change
Heating and cooling degree days                            
Actual  
Heating degree days  933  940  (1)% 3,923  4,048  (3)%  120  198  (39)% 4,043  4,246  (5)%
Cooling degree days  148  59  151% 148  59  151%  673  463  45% 821  522  57%

Variance from normal
  
Heating degree days  (6)% (6)% --  (9)% (6)% --   (47)% (13)% --  (11)% (6)% -- 
Cooling degree days  47% (42)% --  47% (42)% --   36% (6)% --  38% (12)% -- 

Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 Compared to Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004. Electric utility revenues increased 63 percent for the three month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. Firm commercial residential, industrial and contract wholesaleresidential sales increased 6 percent, 9 percent, 18 percent and 1216 percent, respectively. Wholesale off-system sales increased 5 percent with a 12 percent increase in average price received, partially offset by a 6 percent decrease in megawatt-hours sold. Cooling degree days, which is a measure of weather trends, were 15145 percent higher than the same period in the prior year. Wholesale off-system sales decreased 7 percent with a 32 percent decrease in megawatt-hours sold, partially offset by a 38 percent increase in average price received. The decrease in wholesale off-system megawatt-hours sold was primarily due to the unscheduled outage of our Neil Simpson II power plant in July and August of 2005, which resulted in fewer megawatt-hours being available for sale.

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Electric operating expenses increased 324 percent for the three month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. Higher operating expenses were primarily the result of a $0.6$5.3 million increase in fuel and purchased power costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power was due to a $0.4$4.8 million increase in purchased power, resulting fromwhich includes $2.8 million of additional purchase power costs to cover the outage of NSII, as well as a 1240 percent increase in average price per megawatt-hour, partially offset by an 8a 5 percent decrease in megawatt-hours purchased, and a $0.2 million increase in fuelpurchased. Fuel costs increased due to a 1426 percent increase in megawatt-hours generatedaverage cost partially offset by a 7an 11 percent decrease in average cost.megawatt-hours generated. Megawatt-hours produced through coal-fired generation increaseddecreased while higher cost gas generation was utilized in the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, as we incurred scheduled2005. Purchased power and gas generation were utilized for firm load demand and peaking needs due to unscheduled plant outages during the second quarter of 2004. Prevailing gas prices have made it more economical for us to purchase power for our peaking needs, rather than generate energy from our gas turbines.and warmer weather. The increase in operating expense was also affected by increased power marketing legal expense, and compensation costs partially offset by lower maintenance costs.and corporate allocations.

Income from continuing operations increased $1.6Net income decreased $4.0 million primarily due to increased revenues, lower maintenance costs and lower interest expense, due to the pay down of debt, partially offset by increased fuel and purchased power costs, legal expense, compensation costs and compensation costs.corporate allocations, partially offset by increased revenues and lower interest expense, due to the paydown of debt.

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SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 Compared to SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004. Electric utility revenues increased 54 percent for the sixnine month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. Firm commercial, residential and contract wholesale sales increased 4 percent, 5 percent, 8 percent and 63 percent, respectively. Wholesale off-system sales increased 15 percent due to an 11 percent increase in average price received and a 4 percent increase in megawatt-hours sold. Cooling degree days for the sixnine month period were 15157 percent higher than the same period in 2004 and heating degree days were 35 percent lower than the same period in 2004. Wholesale off-system sales increased 5 percent due to a 19 percent increase in average price received partially offset by a 12 percent decrease in megawatt-hours sold.

Electric operating expenses increased 713 percent for the sixnine month period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, compared to the same period in the prior year. Higher operating expenses were primarily the result of a $3.0an $8.4 million increase in fuel and purchased power costs. The increase in fuel and purchased power was due to a $3.1an $8.0 million increase in purchased power, resulting fromwhich includes $2.8 million of additional purchase power costs to cover the outage of NSII, as well as a 1223 percent increase in average price per megawatt-hour, and a 3 percent increase in megawatt-hours purchased,partially offset by a nominal1 percent decrease in fuelmegawatt-hours purchased. Fuel costs increased $0.4 million due to a 65 percent decreaseincrease in average cost, partially offset by a 41 percent increasedecrease in megawatt-hours generated. Megawatt-hours produced through coal-fired generation increaseddecreased while higher cost gas generation was utilized in the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, as we incurred scheduled2005. Purchased power and gas generation were utilized for firm load demand and peaking needs due to unscheduled plant outages during the second quarter of 2004. Prevailing gas prices have made it more economical for us to purchase power for our peaking needs and increased off-system sales, rather than generate energy from our gas turbines.warmer weather. The increase in operating expense was also affected by increased power marketing legal expense, and compensation costs and corporate allocations, partially offset by lower maintenance costs.

Income from continuing operations increased $0.9Net income decreased $3.1 million primarily due to increased fuel and purchased power costs, legal expense, compensation costs and corporate allocations, partially offset by increased revenues, lower maintenance costs and lower interest expense, due to the pay down of debt, partially offset by increased fuel and purchased power costs, legal expense and compensation costs.debt.

Other Event

In July 2005, the electric utility experienced an unscheduled outage at its 90 megawatt Neil Simpson II power plant. That plant is expected to be out of service for the month of August. To meet our forecasted needs, we have obtained supplemental purchased power and additional natural gas supplies, which will negatively affect third quarter 2005 financial results. The economic impact of this outage is expected to be in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million pre-tax, taking into account increased fuel costs, higher purchased power expenses and reduced coal sales.

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SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-Q that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable based on current expectations and projections about future events and industry conditions and trends affecting our business. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that, among other things, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including the risk factors described in Items 1 and 2 of our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and the following:

The amount and timing of capital deployment in new investment opportunities or for the repurchase of debt or stock;
Unfavorable rulings in the periodic applications to recover costs for fuel and purchased power;
Changes in business and financial reporting practices arising from the repeal of the Public Utilities Holding Company Act of 1935 and other provisions of the recently enacted Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Our ability to remedy any deficiencies that may be identified in the periodic review of our internal controls;
The timing and extent of changes in energy-related and commodity prices, interest rates, energy and commodity supply or volume, the cost of transportation of commodities, and demand for our services, all of which can affect our earnings, liquidity position and the underlying value of our assets;
The timing and extent of scheduled and unscheduled outages of power generation facilities;

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General economic and political conditions, including tax rates or policies and inflation rates;
Our use of derivative financial instruments to hedge commodity, currency exchange rate and interest rate risks;
The creditworthiness of counterparties to trading and other transactions, and defaults on amounts due from counterparties;
The amount of collateral required to be posted from time to time in our transactions;
Changes in or compliance with laws and regulations, particularly those relating to taxation, safety and protection of the environment;
Changes in state laws or regulations that could cause us to curtail our independent power production;
Weather and other natural phenomena;
Industry and market changes, including the impact of consolidations and changes in competition;
The effect of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies;
The cost and effects on our business, including insurance, resulting from terrorist actions or responses to such actions;actions and events;
Capital market conditions, which may affect our ability to raise capital on favorable terms;
Price risk due to marketable securities held as investments in benefit plans;
Obtaining adequate cost recovery for our operations through regulatory proceedings; and
Other factors discussed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

New factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors, or the extent to which any such factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We assume no obligation to update publicly any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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ITEM 4.         CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Based on their evaluation, they have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that material information relating to us that is required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

14


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Part II – Other Information

Item 1. 

            Legal Proceedings


 For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 67 of our Notes to Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which information from Note 67 is incorporated by reference into this item.

Item 6. 

            Exhibits


 (a)       Exhibits-

             Exhibit 31.1     Certification pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                                     adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

             Exhibit 31.2     Certification pursuant to Rule 13a - 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                                     adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

             Exhibit 32.1      Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
                                      of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

             Exhibit 32.2      Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
                                      of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

1315


BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

Signatures

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

       BLACK HILLS POWER, INC.

       /s/ David R. Emery                    
David R. Emery, Chairman, President and
   Chief Executive Officer

       /s/ Mark T. Thies                             
Mark T. Thies, Executive Vice President and
   Chief Financial Officer

Dated: August 15,November 14, 2005

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  Exhibit
Number
  
Description

  Exhibit 31.1 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

  Exhibit 31.2 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.

  Exhibit 32.1 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Exhibit 32.2 Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

1517